Mahatma Gandhi’s Great-Grandson Moves SC Against Sabarmati Ashram Redevelopment

Tushar Gandhi, the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Gujarat High Court’s 2022 decision, which upheld the State government’s ₹1,200 crore redevelopment project for Sabarmati Ashram.

Concerns Over Alteration

According to the plea, the redevelopment project will destroy the simplicity and original ethos of the ashram, turning it into a modernized, state-controlled monument. The petitioner argues that proposed structures like museums, amphitheaters, and food courts have no connection to Gandhian principles and will significantly alter the ashram’s identity.

The petition states that while around 40 buildings will be preserved, nearly 200 structures could be demolished or reconstructed. Additionally, it raises concerns over the displacement of resident Harijan families who have lived on the premises for generations. Tushar Gandhi has also criticized the exclusion of Gandhian trusts, which have historically managed the ashram, from the redevelopment process.

Government’s control

The petitioner has expressed strong opposition to the plan of placing the ashram under the management of a government-dominated body led by the Chief Minister and senior officials. He calls this an attempt to take over the memorial and erase its original spirit.

The petition cites a 1933 letter written by Mahatma Gandhi to industrialist Ghanshyamdas Birla, in which Gandhi made it clear that the ashram’s land should be dedicated to the service of the Harijans. Tushar Gandhi insists that any redevelopment must strictly follow this vision and be carried out in consultation with independent historians and Gandhian custodians, rather than under direct government control.

In September 2022, the Gujarat High Court dismissed Tushar Gandhi’s petition, stating that the government had assured it would preserve the ashram’s legacy and that no core institutions were being disturbed. However, in his appeal, Tushar Gandhi argues that the High Court ignored ground realities and relied too much on the government’s verbal assurances.

Public Opposition

The appeal also highlights the widespread opposition to the project, including a 2021 letter signed by over 100 historians, scholars, civil servants, and Gandhian thinkers. The petitioner has urged the Supreme Court to overturn the Gujarat High Court’s verdict and immediately halt all construction work until the case is fully heard.